Depending on their specialization, social workers help vulnerable populations access community resources, counsel couples on relationship issues, or support children dealing with bullying at school.
Social workers may also diagnose and treat disorders. Many social work jobs require a master's in social work and licensure.
Graduates with an MSW can work as clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, and community service managers. They can also pursue careers as social policy advocates, social welfare researchers, and social program administrators.
See the top Master's of Social Work programs offered today.
| #1 | California State University-Fresno | Fresno, CA |
| #2 | California State University-Bakersfield | Bakersfield, CA |
| #3 | Indiana University-Bloomington | Bloomington, IN |
| #4 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX |
| #5 | California State University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA |
| #6 | University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT |
| #7 | Samford University | Birmingham, AL |
| #8 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Fort Collins, CO |
| #9 | Savannah State University | Savannah, GA |
| #10 | The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX |
What Is a Master's in Social Work Degree?
A master's in social work program trains students about social work practice, social welfare research, and social work theory.
A master's in social work program trains students about social work practice, social welfare research, and social work theory. Learners study topics like counseling approaches, cognitive treatment methods, clinical assessment, and social welfare planning. Students also complete fieldwork requirements to gain hands-on experience in a social work setting.
Many social work programs offer concentrations that allow students to tailor their degree to their goals and interests. Common concentrations include:
- Child and Family Social Work
- School Social Work
- Healthcare Social Work
- Community and Social Systems
- Social Policy
- Social Work Administration
Students typically complete a traditional MSW program in two years of full-time study, but some programs offer accelerated timelines. For example, incoming students with a bachelor's degree in social work may pursue an advanced standing MSW track, graduating in as little as one year.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master's in Social Work?
During an online MSW program, students typically complete online courses and in-person field experiences at an approved site in their community. Some online programs incorporate set meeting times to encourage collaboration, while others operate without set log-in times.
The flexibility of the online format may allow students to better balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. Online learning also lets students attend top programs across the country without needing to relocate.
Accreditation for Social Work Degree Programs
Students must attend an MSW program that holds programmatic accreditation to meet social work licensure requirements. Additionally, many employers only hire candidates with an accredited degree. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits MSW programs. The council reviews MSW programs based on their curricula, field experience requirements, and faculty qualifications. Programs must undergo regular reviews to maintain their accreditation status.
MSW Advanced Standing Students
Students with a bachelor's in social work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program may receive advanced standing in an MSW program. Advanced standing status typically allows students to bypass some foundational coursework, expediting graduation by as much as one year.
Master's in Social Work Practicum
MSW programs incorporate field education requirements to teach students the practical skills necessary for social work jobs. A practicum represents a core component of social work training and helps meet social work licensure requirements. During a social work practicum, students strengthen their clinical skills through community-based placements. Graduate students observe practitioners and complete hands-on training under supervision.
The number of required practicum hours varies by program. Most programs require at least 600 hours of field education, which often includes specialized training in the student's focus area.
Types of Social Workers
There are three major types of social workers: macro, direct services, and clinical social workers.
Macro Social Workers
Macro social workers work with communities, large groups of people, major institutions, and cities. Depending on their position, these social workers may advocate for large-scale social policy change, lobby to change healthcare laws, or organize state-wide activist groups. They may also engage in research or work as managers or administrators for community programs.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Licensed clinical social workers evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. They may provide individual, group, or family therapy, working in settings such as hospitals, community mental health centers, rehabilitation facilities, and private practice. Clinical social workers often collaborate with professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, and advanced practice psychiatric nurses.
Aspiring social workers should note that the designation for social workers with a clinical social work license varies by state. States may use titles such as licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed independent social Worker, or licensed independent clinical social worker.
Clinical Social Workers Without a License
These social workers are authorized to practice clinical social work under the supervision of an LCSW. They must earn licensure to practice independently.
Direct Service Social Workers
Direct service social workers connect individuals with relevant resources and services. They may also provide limited counseling services, but they cannot provide psychotherapy. Depending on their role, these professionals may perform intake screenings, make referrals to relevant services, provide mediation services, and perform case management.
Social Work Jobs
Graduates with a master's in social work can pursue careers in several growing fields, working in roles such as mental health counselor, social service manager, and marriage and family therapist. The section below covers several common careers for MSW graduates.
Marriage and Family Therapists
| Median Salary: $50,090 | Projected Job Growth: 22% |
|---|
Marriage and family therapists help individuals, couples, and families manage relationship problems through therapy. They encourage clients to discuss their emotions, help people adjust to life changes and modify behaviors, and guide clients through decision-making processes. Marriage and family therapists also connect clients with relevant resources and services.
These professionals need a master's degree and a license to practice. A master's in social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field typically meets licensure requirements.
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
| Median Salary: $53,020 | Projected Job Growth: 3% |
|---|
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists offer social services to law offenders to help them make progress toward rehabilitation. They create rehabilitation plans, connect clients with resources, and maintain case files on clients. Most probation officers and correctional treatment specialists hold a bachelor's degree in a field like social work or criminal justice. Candidates with a master's degree may qualify for advanced opportunities.
Social and Community Service Managers
| Median Salary: $65,320 | Projected Job Growth: 13% |
|---|
Social and community service managers oversee social service programs and community organizations. They manage program staff, analyze data to determine a program's effectiveness, suggest improvements to programs, and increase program awareness through outreach activities. They also oversee budgets and may write proposals for funding.
Most social and community service managers hold at least a bachelor's degree in a field like social work, public administration, or business administration plus several years of work experience. Some employers prefer or require a master's degree in social work.
Social Workers
| Median Salary: $49,470 | Projected Job Growth: 11% |
|---|
Social workers help clients overcome short-term and long-term challenges. They help clients adjust to life changes, connect clients with community resources, and respond to crisis situations. Social workers may specialize in an area such as school social work, healthcare social work, or child and family social work.
Clinical social workers diagnose and treat behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders. They provide therapy, create treatment plans, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals. Clinical social workers must hold a master's degree in social work and a license to practice.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
| Median Salary: $44,630 | Projected Job Growth: 22% |
|---|
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors help clients manage substance use, mental health, and behavioral disorders. They meet with clients to evaluate their needs, create customized treatment plans, and work with clients on behavior modification techniques.
Most substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors need a bachelor's degree, while mental health counselors generally need a master's degree to practice.
How Much Do Social Workers Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median social worker salary exceeds $49,000 per year. However, social work salaries depend on factors like a worker's location, degree, and industry. For example, the typical salary for a professional who holds a master's in social work exceeds that of a bachelor's degree-holder. Similarly, clinical social workers generally earn higher salaries than nonclinical social workers.
As with other fields, social workers often see an increase in their earning potential if they gain experience, an advanced degree, and/or specialized skills.
| Position | Salary |
|---|---|
| Social Worker (MSW) | $35,000 - $63,000 |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | $42,000 - $77,000 |
| Clinical Social Worker | $40,000 - $78,000 |
| School Social Worker | $38,000 - $68,000 |
| Position | Salary |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Social Workers | $56,200 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $46,270 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $44,840 |
The Best Master's in Social Work Programs
| Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
California State University-Fresno |
Fresno, CA Apply Now | ||
| 2 |
California State University-Bakersfield |
Bakersfield, CA Apply Now | ||
| 3 |
Indiana University-Bloomington |
Bloomington, IN Apply Now | ||
| 4 |
The University of Texas at Austin |
Austin, TX Apply Now | ||
| 5 |
California State University-Los Angeles |
Los Angeles, CA Apply Now | ||
| 6 |
University of Connecticut |
Storrs, CT Apply Now | ||
| 7 |
Samford University |
Birmingham, AL Apply Now | ||
| 8 |
Colorado State University-Fort Collins |
Fort Collins, CO Apply Now | ||
| 9 |
Savannah State University |
Savannah, GA Apply Now | ||
| 10 |
The University of Texas at Arlington |
Arlington, TX Apply Now | ||
| 11 |
Texas Tech University |
Lubbock, TX Apply Now | ||
| 12 |
West Virginia University |
Morgantown, WV Apply Now | ||
| 13 |
DePaul University |
Chicago, IL Apply Now | ||
| 14 |
Gallaudet University |
Washington, DC Apply Now | ||
| 15 |
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa |
Honolulu, HI Apply Now | ||
| 16 |
Youngstown State University |
Youngstown, OH Apply Now | ||
| 17 |
Western Carolina University |
Cullowhee, NC Apply Now | ||
| 18 |
Ohio University-Main Campus |
Athens, OH Apply Now | ||
| 19 |
Temple University |
Philadelphia, PA Apply Now | ||
| 20 |
Saint Leo University |
Saint Leo, FL Apply Now | ||
| 21 |
George Fox University |
Newberg, OR Apply Now | ||
| 22 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Champaign, IL Apply Now | ||
| 23 |
University of Central Florida |
Orlando, FL Apply Now | ||
| 24 |
University of Vermont |
Burlington, VT Apply Now | ||
| 25 |
University of South Dakota |
Vermillion, SD Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
Master's in Social Work Programs Ranking Guidelines
We based the following rankings on academic quality, curricula, faculty strength, internship opportunities, facilities, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
